COLUMBUS, Ohio - Every day, Catholic sisters help the less fortunate, and this week they'll cross Ohio to highlight the effects harmful federal budget cuts would have on those they serve. The Nuns on the Bus tour will visit social service agencies and local leaders to discuss the effects of the Republican Ryan budget and promote the need for a "faithful budget" that values solidarity, justice and the common good.
Sister Monica McGloin of Cincinnati says it's a budget that ensures the right of all people to have health care.
"A faithful budget would ensure that access to health care by investing in wellness and making needed improvements in the health-care system."
Sr. McGloin and others are concerned that a federal budget that slashes dollars to the states will cause Ohio to cut back on vital programs for seniors, children and people with disabilities. She says it's critical to not cut programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and instead to expand them, so all Ohioans can lead healthy lives.
Co-chair Cathy Levine of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage says health care advocates appreciate the work the nuns are doing to protect those in need in Ohio. She says expanding coverage, not cutting Medicaid, will reduce illness and save money and lives. "Cuts to Medicaid would be a huge setback to the Kasich adminstration's plan to transform Medicaid and all of health care to a system that provides better care, better health outcomes and lower costs.
" Sr. McGloin says large numbers of people are unable to obtain health insurance, and if cuts are made to Medicaid, they will not have the adequate care needed to be healthy.
"They couldn't have preventive care, they couldn't have early diagnosis, so they wind up being sicker. The care is costlier, and it just doesn't make sense.
" She says it's important that all Ohioans make their voices heard this election season by evaluating the candidates' platforms and going out and voting on their own values.
The nuns start their tour Wednesday in Cincinnati and will make stops in cities across the state this week, including Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, Youngstown and Toledo.
Full tour schedule
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